VS Code Extensions Not Loading or Installing
Quick answer
Extensions fail to load or install because of proxy/network issues, signature checks, remote windows or a stuck extension host. Restart extensions, check the network and fall back to a VSIX file.
Most likely fix: Restart extensions
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Restart extensions
- Click Restart Extensions when prompted, or run Developer: Reload Window
Did this fix it?2. Configure your proxy
- For connect ETIMEDOUT errors follow the proxy settings in the VS Code network docs
Did this fix it?3. Install from a VSIX
- On a machine with internet, right-click the extension and choose Download VSIX
- Run Extensions: Install from VSIX or code --install-extension file.vsix
Did this fix it?4. Install in the remote window
- Extensions do not sync to SSH, WSL or dev container windows
- Install them again while connected to the remote
Did this fix it?5. Check extension logs
- Open the Shared log through Open View in the Command Palette
- Use Extension Bisect if one extension blocks the rest
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Extensions are stuck on 'Activating', do not appear, or fail to install with ETIMEDOUT.
Why it happens
- Corporate proxy or firewall
- Offline machine
- Signature verification failure
- Extensions not installed in the remote window
- Extension host needs restart
This guide also covers
- vscode extensions not loading
- vscode extension install failed
- vscode extension not working
Still not working?
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